News
Johnston hints at ‘conspiracy’ behind gas explosions, promises to reveal ‘truth’
Questions being raised about the actual cause of gas leak explosions would be answered when the findings of an investigation were made public soon, Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said yesterday.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the opening of a three-storeyed building at Kurunegala Maliyadeva Girls’ School, the Minister said, “We have suspicions about the so-called gas explosions. Incidents have been reported from many places. However, there were no such incidents reported from the houses in Colombo 7, the Northern Province, Kandy or Kurunegala. After several ministers expressed concerns, the President ordered an investigation. Its results will be made public soon and thereafter we will know the truth,” the Minister said.
Minister Fernando said that apart from the so-called gas leak explosions and shortage of gas there were several other burning issues to which the government’s attention was drawn. “There are shortages and resultant price increases. We try our level best to bring down the prices and replenish the stocks to avoid scarcities. Apart from those temporary problems, there are many other issues caused by the pandemic. It was the schoolchildren who suffered most because of the pandemic.
“Teachers and principals have been urging the government to solve their salary anomaly problem, which has now been sorted out. Sinister forces made use of that problem to further their interests. They even instigated the teachers to take to the streets. But the Opposition, which pledged solidarity with the teachers, did not vote for the budget that allocated funds for the rectification of teachers’ salary anomalies. Such is their concern for teachers!”
Thailand takes top place
Travel website Make My Trip has named Sri Lanka as the third most booked international destination by Indian travellers for the festive period, following Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to a report released by MakeMyTrip, an analysis of booking trends between 20 December and January 2026 compared to the same period last year, highlighted a growing interest in Sri Lanka as a preferred destination.
Thailand ranked first, while the UAE secured second place. Vietnam recorded a notable rise, moving from seventh position last year to fourth this year, followed by Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the UK, the US, and Hong Kong.
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has admitted that there were limitations in the testing process conducted at the laboratory of National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).
A statement issued by the Health Ministry says Minister Jayatissa, at a meeting with senior health officials, stressed the need for a project to streamline and expand the drug testing process. The Minister has also explained the need to explore ways and means of utilising the available resources at other government-owned facilities to improve the capacity until a permanent solution could be found.
Officials present at the meeting held at the Ministry were from the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology – SLINTEC), Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology – SLIBTEC), Industrial Technology Institute – ITI), Sri Lanka Standards Institution – SLSI, NMRA and Medical Research Institute (MRI).
The government is under fire over the deaths of two persons and severe reactions in others after receiving Ondansetron, an anti-nausea injection from an Indian manufacturer. The use of this drug and nine other injectable medications from the same company has been temporarily halted.
Minister Jayatissa emphasised the need to address the issues at hand without disrupting the supply of medicine while drawing the attention of those present to deal with what he called problematic medicine.
Against the backdrop of devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the government has launched a project to ensure Sri Lanka remains as an attractive destination. In line with this project, the Sri Lankan High Commission in London in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has recently briefed tourism industry leaders, tourism officials, travel trade partners, agents, writers, bloggers, and travel and tourism enthusiasts from the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. According to the HC, the event brought together about 70 UK-based persons.
Delivering the opening address, the SL High Commissioner in the UK Nimal Senadheera, outlined Sri Lanka’s renewed tourism narrative, emphasising resilience, recovery, and sustainable growth. He highlighted the positive recovery of the sector despite recent challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to being a safe, welcoming, and high-quality destination for international travellers. He also noted that the United Kingdom continues to be Sri Lanka’s second-largest source market in 2025 and outlined the role of the SLHC in supporting recovery efforts, engaging the Sri Lankan community in the United Kingdom, and providing timely travel updates to UK travellers.
Key travel updates and plans for the coming year, including global marketing initiatives, were presented by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Buddhika Hewawasam. He was joined by the President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, Nalin Jayasundara; the President of The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka, Asoka Hettigoda; and the Regional Manager – Europe and the Americas of SriLankan Airlines, Chinthaka Weerasinghe, who joined virtually from Sri Lanka.
The event was moderated by the Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, Somasena Mahadiulwewa. The programme included destination and testimonial videos, updates from SriLankan Airlines, and an interactive question-and-answer session, providing networking opportunities and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s renewed confidence and strong partnership with the United Kingdom travel and tourism market.
Sri Lanka third most preferred destination for Indians
Ondansetron controversy: Health Minister explores interim measures to address growing concerns
Post-Ditwah tourism: Govt. to retain UK interest in SL as key destination
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